You found us!

You found us!  Why a new blog?  Blogger (google) only allows you to upload so many pictures and then you have to purchase space.  I am trying not to have to buy space (because I am so not good at keeping this thing updated!).  So after talking to a very dedicated blogger (Heather you know I'm talking about you!), I decided to make a new domain.  I do think it is kind of fitting to have a new blog now that it is no long just Elle Marie!

So onto what we have been up to in December.  Well, A LOT of sickness!  We have had the stomach flu, pink eye, high fevers (of 105.2), influenza and a constant cold!  I think we will be healthy in 2013 when I am back to work! Keeping my fingers crossed!

 Elle loves helping and will offer to help feed Elise a bottle.  

Proud big sis.

Before everyone showed up for Thanksgiving, I got a quick "Turkey Trot" in.  Melissa and I walked the 2 mile walk.  It was a gorgeous morning - 50+ degrees!  Melissa let me borrow their Burley (ours is only a 1 seater) with the baby harness.  So I bundled the girls up, strapped them in and off we went!  Melissa and I would like to make this an annual event for us.  Our goal is to run the 5 mile next year!  We'll see - I'm not a "runner".  But a good goal!

Gramma and Grampa made the trip over for Thanksgiving.  Gramma was sure to get in some Elise snuggles.

Elise was decked out in her turkey gear - turkey feet and all. 

BIG STRETCH before a big dinner. Okay, maybe next year Elise.

Elle was helping Grampa get the meal ready....

M&M's and chex mix are a part of every Thanksgiving meal right?!?

So we hosted for the 4th year in a row.  Each year the number we serve grows.  This year it was 10 adults and 7 children (under the age of 6)!  Many of you know, we do NOT have a big home...it was tight!  But I believe everyone left with full tummies!  

Playing with every.toy.in.the.house.  before the meal.

Grandma Maureen found this silly turkey balloon.  The kids L.O.V.E.D. it!  And it is still floating to this day.  I think it might make it until Easter! :)

The "grown-up" table in the living room.  Brock was so excited he got to eat the the grown-up table!

And the kid table (with parental supervision)!   Not sure where we are going to put Elise next year?!?!

Time for the pie.  Well none of the kids wanted/liked pie, so I had back-up ice cream.  It was a hit! 

Jeff and Sue no longer use/need their double stroller and are letting us use it.  It has been a life saver....but it is like pushing a bus!  I thankfully haven't run into to many things yet! Ha.  Elle thought it was great to ride around the house in.

 

Thanksgiving done, onto the next holiday.  Elle got her very own Christmas tree this year.  We went with an artificial tree.  One less tree to remember to water and worry that she will spill the water.

Elle loved decorating it.  She actually "redecorates" it on a daily basis.  Thank goodness for shatter proof ornaments in fun girlie colors.  And yes a Tu-tu is necessary when you decorate your tree!

 

With all of the Christmas decorations out, Elle had to "try" them out!  We have a wooden advent calendar and she thought it was a new doll house! 

Even the dollhouse toilet was in a door!

Santa's in our house are treated with care - they too get their diapers changed!

Santa also gets to nap in the swing with a blanket!

 Candles mean birthdays when you are 2 1/2.  So Elle stood at the window and sang Happy Birthday.  I told her we were celebrating Jesus' birthday.  So she sang to him!  It was too cute and I tried to get it on video, but as any child she clammed up! Bummer...

Sunday we headed to Pleasant Valley for the second time of the season for our tree.  It was the debut of snow pants and boots.  Elle thought they were so funny, she kept saying "snow pants,  hahaha!"  Elle boots, hahaha".  What a ham!

The three big kids ready and waiting for the tractor and wagon to take us out to the field.  

And we are off!  It was a cold day - big difference from Thanksgiving day!

Elise was all bundled up in the bjorn - she slept the entire time we were there!  

The two cutest girls I know!  

Okay, 4 kids, 4 adults we can do this.....

Great action shot of Ashton...this happened A LOT!  The uneven terrain got all of us, especially the short legged ones!

We "hunted" for Adam/Amy's tree first and when it was our turn, Elle was D.O.N.E.  no pictures, no pictures...Love Dave's face.  I believe someone had just said - Merry Christmas!

There is NOT one good picture of us in front of our tree this year...maybe next year!

Uncle Adam to the rescue - he is strong!  Those two alone are not light....

Here come the boys and our tree!

After finding the perfect tree, we went inside to warm up with hot chocolate and popcorn!

Cousins...so lucky to live so close and do all these fun family traditions together!  I love seeing them light up when they see each other. 

And guess who else was at Pleasant Valley??? Santa and Mrs. Claus.  Elle was nervous but not freaked!  Progress from last year.

Santa wanted a high five, Mommy had to give him one first.  

Santa wanted a hug.  Mommy had to give him one first....but Elle never did give him a hug!

A picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus, only if mommy was with!  She's not smiling, but she isn't crying either!

Ashton and Aiden, were a little skeptical as well, but again no tears or running away.

Santa had candy canes too...yummy!  Cold, sticky fingers, cheeks and coats!

Pleasant Valley also has a live nativity.  We went to look and pet the animals.

This girl had enough at the tree farm...time to head home for lunch and a nap!

Glad you found us!  Thanks for checking in.  I am working on another post...who knows when it will be done!  I'm not making any promises!